FIRST BOWL................EVER!!!

Pulled this piece out of my friend’s firewood pile.Unknown species, looks similar to maple, but isn’t.Lucked out, was all black and slimy when I grabbed it, I was just looking for a practice piece.The spalting looks pretty cool, though.Do I need to put this in a plastic bag/soak it or something to keep it from checking/splitting???

WOW! that’s beautiful! And the wider bottom..hey you did darn good! I have been using a microwave for my green wood bowls. I first rough turn them then put them in the microwave for 1 min. Let cool…and I have a mositure meter the ones without the needles and keep zapping it for 4 times or so. Then leave it overnite. Then check the moisture. Then keep zapping it til I get 12-15 % reading. Then I finish it off. I haven’t had any of my projects crack or split using this method. Of course don’t use the kitchen microwave. I happen to have one laying around. Good luck and make sure you share the next turning project.

That is a nice looking bowl and some fine wood. You most likely are going to be okay from checking… I don’t see a pith anywhere. Since you didn’t rough out/then dry, it might warp on you but that’ll be about it.

Nice bowl it looks like spalted maple to me, so be carfull not to breathe the dust those lines are caused by a fungus that can reactivate in your lungs so wear a mask , good work— michaeljon,woodworker

”Nice bowl it looks like spalted maple to me, so be carfull not to breathe the dust those lines are caused by a fungus that can reactivate in your lungs so wear a mask , good work— michaeljon,woodworker”

well now you tell me!!!!!

I think it might be birch, maybe soft maple.had a lot of fun, will wear a mask next time, though!!!!

I had a bout with spalted maple. Got sick, my eyes swelled shut and it was a painful lesson, not everyone is allergic, but if you are it is nasty, and the fungus is not good for anyone. Do yourself a favor, wear protective eyewear also, another place it can affect you, talking from experience here Nice bowl, by the way. good 1st try.

-- (You just have to please the man in the Mirror) Mike from Michigan -